QUESTION: My husband and I recently relocated to Colorado from California. I have been searching for anadministrative assistant/clerical position for months, but I have not had any luck.
I'm wondering if my resume reveals my age, indirectly, due to my extensive experience, although my resume only goes back about 10 years. I realize age discrimination is illegal, but how would I know if that's the problem if I can't even get my foot in the door? Please, can you give me someadvice?
ANSWER: Age discrimination is illegal, but that doesn't mean it does not happen every day. We come to the workplace with our own hidden and not-so-hidden prejudices andpreferences.The two most telltale elements of an age differential in the workplace are:
- A lack of computer skills. Thisdoesn't just mean that you should know how to use Word and Excel. Youalso need to have a real desire to jump into using the computer andexploring all that it can do for you.
- A real desire to do any thing that's needed inthe office. I watch so many of us of a certain age just notwant to have anything to do with grunt work. It's important that youshow your willingness to contribute at all levels.
These are two things to watch for. I would also do my best toget in front of prospective hiring managers personally, rather thanonly through your resume. At that point, all the wonderful qualitiesthat come with maturity -- like judgment, the ability to understand priorities and genuine loyalty -- can be illustrated.
